Sandpaper Verbena

Sandpaper Verbena, also known as Verbena rigida, is a perennial flowering plant known for its striking blooms and distinctive foliage. Native to South America, it has become a popular choice in gardens for its vibrant color and ease of care.

The most prominent feature of Sandpaper Verbena is its vibrant purple or violet flowers, which bloom in clusters atop stiff, upright stems. These flowers typically appear in the summer and continue to bloom into the fall, providing a long-lasting display of color. The blossoms are small but numerous, creating a striking effect when the plant is in full bloom.

The leaves of Sandpaper Verbena are another notable aspect, with a rough, sandpaper-like texture, giving the plant its common name. The foliage is medium green, lance-shaped, and somewhat stiff, adding to the plant's overall texture and interest.

Sandpaper Verbena has a spreading growth habit and can form a dense mat, making it an excellent ground cover. It's also well-suited for use in borders, rock gardens, and containers. The plant's vibrant flowers and textured foliage make it a popular choice for adding visual interest to various garden settings.

This plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun, where it produces the most abundant and vibrant blooms. Sandpaper Verbena is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens. It's also known for its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators, enhancing the garden's ecological diversity.

Overall, Sandpaper Verbena is valued for its vibrant flowers, distinctive foliage, and adaptability to a range of garden conditions. Its ability to provide long-lasting color and texture, combined with its ease of care, makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create a lively and dynamic outdoor space.